Western States Occupational Network MeetingThe Western States Occupational Network, or WestON, is a network of state-based occupational health epidemiologists and administrators from 19 western states, NIOSH and OSHA federal partners, NIOSH Education and Research Center (ERC) professionals, and NIOSH agricultural center professionals. This network was established to build state-based occupational safety and health (OSH) capacity in the Western states and bring together more experienced states with those that are just beginning to consider developing an occupational epidemiology program. The annual WestON meeting provides a unique opportunity for this group to meet and address common workplace safety and health issues and to further develop collaborations and partnerships to enhance state-based epidemiology, surveillance, and prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses.

Background:Recognizing the inadequacy of occupational health surveillance at the state level in most of the West, CSTE members and staff, NIOSH Western States Office, and the Mountain and Plains (MAP) ERC established the WestON Meeting. Western states share some collective identity based on common priority areas in workplace safety and health, such as mining, construction, and agriculture. At least one representative from each of the 19 Western states is invited to participate in this annual meeting as well as the NIOSH-funded ERCs and Agricultural Research Centers in the Western region.

How can I get involved?
If you would like to join the WestON distribution list, please email Amy Patel. Pertinent occupational health-related news and announcements are shared via this distribution list.